ACT vows new suicide prevention push after inquiry finds service gaps
The ACT Government will hold a suicide prevention roundtable in February. But an independent MP says its response misses real service gaps.
A parliamentary inquiry looked at men's suicide rates. The ACT Government is now developing a new Suicide Prevention Implementation Plan.
The government will hold a roundtable in February to bring stakeholders together and discuss the findings. The government accepted three of the inquiry's recommendations outright and nine more in principle.
Thomas Emerson is an independent MLA. He challenged the government's response.
He said several things the government claimed it was already doing are not actually happening on the ground. He pointed to gaps in how people move between hospitals, GPs, psychologists and community groups.
He said care for people who attempted suicide is not being given as described. Emerson said the government is leaving a "missing middle" of people.
These people are too complex for basic care but do not need specialist help.
- February next year
- Roundtable timing
- Ages 12 to 15
- Aftercare focus
Why it mattersThe government said more work is needed to support men and boys at risk of suicide. But the services the inquiry recommended are not yet ready.
AustraliaThe ACT's mental health system is under scrutiny for not backing up its stated commitments, affecting Canberra residents seeking help.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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